Add Your Gift Card Through the Payment Settings Menu
To add an Airbnb gift card to your account, open the Airbnb app or website, go to your account menu, select Payments and payouts, then choose Gift cards. Enter the 16-digit code from the back of your card or the email you received, and the balance will appear in your account when ready. You can then use that balance to pay for any booking.
The gift card code is usually printed on a physical card or sent to your email if you bought it digitally. Make sure you have the full code before you start—you'll need all 16 digits, and they're case-sensitive, so copy them exactly as they appear.
Once the code is entered and accepted, the balance stays in your Airbnb account until you use it. You don't have to spend it all at once; any leftover amount carries forward to your next booking.
Key Takeaways
- Gift card codes are 16 digits long and found on the back of physical cards or in confirmation emails for digital purchases.
- You enter the code in your account's Payments and payouts section under the Gift cards tab, and the balance appears when ready.
- Gift card balances explore automatically when you book a stay and cover the full cost or reduce what you owe.
- If your code doesn't work, check that you've typed all 16 digits correctly and that the card hasn't already been redeemed.
Where to Find Your Gift Card Code
If you received a physical Airbnb gift card, flip it over and look for a 16-digit code printed on the back. This code is usually in a box or highlighted section so it stands out from other text on the card.
If someone sent you a digital gift card by email, open the message and look for a link or a code displayed prominently. Digital gift cards often have a button you can click that takes you straight to Airbnb to redeem it, or they show the code in the email body itself.
If you bought the gift card yourself and haven't received it yet, check your email inbox and spam folder. Digital codes are usually sent within a few minutes of purchase, but occasionally they take longer or get caught by email filters.
Step-by-Step Redemption on Mobile and Web
On the Airbnb app: Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner, scroll down and tap Payments and payouts, then tap Gift cards. Tap Redeem a gift card, paste or type your 16-digit code into the box, and tap Redeem. The balance will show on your screen once it's accepted.
On the Airbnb website: Click your profile icon in the top right, select Account, then Payments and payouts. Click Gift cards on the left menu, then click Redeem a gift card. Paste or type your code and click Redeem. Your balance updates when ready.
After you redeem the code, you'll see your gift card balance listed under Payment methods or Wallet (depending on your region). This balance is now ready to use on any booking you make.
How Your Gift Card Balance Is Used When You Book
When you make a reservation, Airbnb automatically applies your gift card balance to the total cost. If your gift card covers the entire booking, you won't be charged any additional payment method. If the booking costs more than your balance, you'll pay the difference using a credit card, debit card, or other payment method you have on file.
The gift card balance is deducted from your account only when you complete the booking—not when you add the card or when you search for listings. This means you can hold onto your balance and use it whenever you're ready to book.
If you cancel a booking that was paid with a gift card, the amount is refunded back to your gift card balance in your Airbnb account, not to your original payment method. This refund usually appears within a few days.
What to Do If Your Code Doesn't Work
The most common reason a code fails is a typing error. Check that you've entered all 16 digits exactly as they appear—gift card codes are case-sensitive and include both letters and numbers. Copy and paste the code from your email or card rather than typing it by hand if possible.
If the code still doesn't work after you've checked it twice, the card may have already been redeemed by someone else, or it may be expired. Check the email or card packaging to see if there's an expiration date listed. Some gift cards are valid for a set number of years from the purchase date.
If you believe the code is valid but Airbnb won't accept it, contact Airbnb Support through the app or website. Go to Help in your account menu, select Contact us, and describe the problem. Airbnb can verify whether the code is legitimate and help you resolve the issue.
Checking Your Gift Card Balance and Transaction History
To see how much balance you have left, go to Payments and payouts in your account settings and click or tap Gift cards. Your current balance will be displayed at the top of the page. This balance updates each time you complete a booking.
You can also see a record of how much you spent from your gift card on each booking by looking at your reservation confirmation or your account's transaction history. Go to Trips in your account, select the booking, and scroll down to see the payment breakdown.
If you have multiple gift cards added to your account, they combine into one total balance. Airbnb doesn't track them separately, so you'll see one number representing all your gift card funds together.
Gift Cards From Different Sources and Regions
Airbnb gift cards work the same way whether you bought them yourself, received them as a gift, or got them from a promotion. The redemption process is identical—enter the code in your Payments and payouts menu and the balance appears in your account.
Gift cards purchased in one country can usually be used in another, but the balance is held in the currency of the country where the card was bought. If you're booking in a different currency, Airbnb will convert the balance at the current exchange rate when you check out.
Some third-party retailers sell Airbnb gift cards, and these work exactly like cards sold directly by Airbnb. The code is the same 16-digit format, and you redeem it the same way through your account settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gift card to pay for experiences or other Airbnb services?
Airbnb gift cards are designed for stays only. You cannot use them to book Experiences, pay for cleaning fees, or cover other services. The balance applies only to the nightly rate and taxes on your accommodation booking.
What happens if I don't use my gift card balance?
Your gift card balance stays in your account indefinitely until you use it. There is no expiration date once the code has been redeemed into your account, so you can hold onto it and book whenever you're ready.
Can I transfer my gift card balance to another person?
No, once a gift card code is redeemed into your Airbnb account, the balance is tied to that account and cannot be transferred or shared. If you want to give the balance to someone else, you would need to book a stay on their behalf using your account.
Do I need to add a backup payment method if I have a gift card?
Yes, Airbnb requires a valid payment method on file even if your gift card covers the full booking cost. This is used if your booking is refunded or if there are additional charges after your stay, such as damage fees.
Can I reload or add more money to a gift card?
No, Airbnb gift cards cannot be reloaded. Once the balance is used up, the card is empty. You would need to purchase a new gift card if you want more credit in your account.